Voltaren

IMAGE SLIDE SHOW FOR: Voltaren

Prescription Drug Information, Side Effects & Interactions for Voltaren

Uses
This medication is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug which relieves pain and reduces inflammation (swelling). It is used to treat headaches, muscle aches, dental pain, and athletic injuries. It is commonly used to treat the pain, swelling and stiffness associated with arthritis.

Notes

In arthritis, it may take up to two weeks before the full effects of this medicine are noted.
For best results, this medication must be taken regularly as directed by your doctor.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not store in the bathroom.

Voltaren

How To Use

Take this medication with food, milk, or antacids to prevent stomach upset.
These tablets contain a special coating and should be swallowed whole.
Do not crush or chew tablets.

Side Effects

Stomach upset is the most common side effect.
Nausea, vomiting, bloating, gas, loss of appetite may also occur.
If these effects persist or become severe, notify your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you develop persistent stomach pain, presence of black or bloody stools, skin rash, itching, breathing difficulties, edema (swelling of the feet or hands), ringing in the ears or vision changes while taking this medication.
May cause dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision.
May rarely cause reversible loss of hearing.
Infrequently, this medication may increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight.
If this happens to you, avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen.
Avoid sunlamps.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of any liver or kidney disease, blood disorders, ulcers, heart disease, alcohol use, high blood pressure, eye disease or allergies, especially drug allergies.
Use caution when performing tasks requiring alertness.
Limit alcohol intake as it may intensify the drowsiness effect of this medication.
This medicine may cause stomach bleeding.
Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Do not take aspirin without consulting your doctor.
Check the ingredients of any nonprescription medication you may be taking since many cough-and-cold formulas contain aspirin.
Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this drug.
Use of this drug in the last 6 months of pregnancy is not recommended.
This drug is excreted into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of "blood thinners" such as warfarin, other arthritis medication, water pills and lithium.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.